#lastalifetime

I've learnt a lot about real passion in my twenties, and I've realized the value of nurturing relationships and surrounding yourself with people who understand you on a deep level.

I've been thinking about friendship in general and how much my concept of it has evolved over the last ten years.

Obviously, we all have people that come and go in our lives. However, as I grow older, I am grateful for the few true ladies in my life who I never have to doubt. They basically appear in every way possible, and it's simple.

I've always preferred a small group of 'best' friends than a large number of acquaintances, and those friendships are quite important to me. I'm drawn to women who are strong because they've been broken. Those who have a story to tell and truly understand who they are as a result of that story.

Women who unconditionally support me and O and honestly want the best for us. The weak-willed but strong-willed. I can simply glance at my pal and she knows exactly what I'm thinking. Those who have the ability to go deeper. The people you know will defend you, and you have complete faith in them. The ones who actually comprehend and demonstrate unconditional love.

I asked two of my closest friends to offer a brief description of what friendship meant to them at this point in their lives.

ONE. Friendship means someone who always believes the best in you. When you can't protect yourself, someone defends you. It's someone who encourages you to be your best self and is the first to stand up and applaud you when you accomplish. True friendship is God's way of holding you when you're at your best and, more significantly, when you're at your worst.

TWO. True friendship is simple. I want to be the friend who is always there for you, regardless of what happens. Friend who is supportive, trustworthy, and loyal.

THREE. We may not chat every day or even every week, but when we do, it is meaningful and lasts for several hours. Those who will drop everything when you call may now be counted on one hand, and it's no longer referred to be friendship; it's now referred to as family.

FOUR. In this season of life, friendship has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Because you are the actual you, a good friend loves you even if you are flawed, confused, or wrong. This may not be a large group, but it is a solid and genuine one that expects nothing in return but your company.

Isn't it wonderful how amazing they are? It's no surprise that I adore them. Finally, as I reflected on what I've learned about friendship over the last several years, I wanted to share a few of the lessons I've learned with you.

ONE. MAKE THE TIME

We live in a world where information and life updates are at our fingertips, but don't let the guise of social media keep you from reaching out. A simple phone call or impromptu lunch date has proven to be far more effective. The bottom line is that making an effort to connect demonstrates how much you care.

TWO. LOVE WHO THEY LOVE

It's crucial to adore someone your partner loves in order to have a true relationship. I've learned firsthand that a friendship can only go so far, and that the more the merrier isn't always the case. When it comes to the friends I care about, I want everything about them, from the good and easy to the messy and imperfect. That comes with a deep commitment to love who they love. It creates a beautiful, vulnerable extended family and improves your relationship in an entirely different way.

THREE. NEVER LET INSECURITY GET IN THE WAY OF FRIENDSHIP

I've never been one for overcomplicating things, but I've learned that judgment, competition, envy, and small lies have no place in friendship, or any relationship for that matter. All of these factors, however, usually boil down to insecurity. Judgment dissolves into understanding, competitiveness vanishes, envy transforms into things you're permitted to speak out loud, and lies are forgotten. Your friends should be the first to support you in whatever way, big or small, and clap the loudest for you. Allowing insecurity to get in the way is never a good idea.

FOUR. DON'T FORCE IT

Just because you have a past doesn't guarantee you have a future, I've realized. We have complete control over whether or not we choose to invest in one another, and at the end of the day, you make time for what you choose to make time for. There are already enough challenges in life; don't make your friendships one of them. When it's time to take a deep breath and let go, remember that sometimes the lesson is in the inescapable reality.

FIVE. BE PRESENT FOR THE IN-BETWEEN

I need friends who are willing to drop everything and run. Take a deep breath for me and cry with me. They're there not only for the big things, but also when I can't get out of bed. When I require unending prayer. They adore me in both my best and worst moments. From life-changing days to insignificant, nameless moments. This type of connection forges a bond that is difficult to break.

Remember that there is no harm in loving people well.

Thanks for stopping by